An area of major need in Idaho may receive a vital shot of federal money, as federal officials shortlisted $90.24 million in grant funds to help ease congestion on Interstate 84 in the Treasure Valley between the Karcher Interchange and Franklin Boulevard. The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant also will allow improvements benefiting the movement of goods and services on the heavily-used route.
The improvements include widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction in this 2.8-mi. section; adding auxiliary lanes; replacing and widening an overpass and an under-sized canal structure; replacing and expanding two bridges over a railroad and canal; performing ramp improvements; reconstructing an interchange; and rebuilding a bridge over the freeway.
This area sees nearly 100,000 vehicle trips per day, and commercial trucks comprise a significant percentage of that traffic.
The project is innovative because of its use of diverse local and state matching funds. Idaho's application was a joint effort between ITD and COMPASS (the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho). COMPASS was instrumental in spearheading the funding application, arranging for needed funds from the city of Caldwell and Canyon County.
The Idaho Transportation Board also was innovative in its use of state money as a matching funding source. The grant offsets 60 percent of the project's total estimated cost of $150 million.
By law, the United States Congress (the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works) has 60 days to review before award can be made.
“Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the country, and receiving this grant shows the importance of the Interstate 84 corridor for moving freight, along with our own goods and services, across the west and the world,” said Brian Ness, ITD director. “More importantly, the project is expected to Improve safety by significantly reducing crashes in the area.”
The President's Administration, ITD Director Ness, COMPASS, Idaho Senator Crapo's Office and other members of Idaho's congressional delegation all helped move the grant application forward.
“We appreciate this additional funding and the benefits it will bring for commerce, commuters and the traveling public. It will relieve congestion through Canyon County and the entire Treasure Valley,” he added.
